Top 10 Dockside Bars in Sarasota-Manatee

Southwest Florida has a bunch of great drinking spots that can be reached by land or sea. In no particular order, here's our list of the 10 best dockside bars in Sarasota and Manatee counties. You should also probably check out our Top 10 Beach Bars in Sarasota-Manatee.

5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice; 941-485-7221; snookhaven.com

Snook Haven

Considering smugglers unloaded their booze at this remote peninsula along the Myakka River upstream from the Gulf of Mexico during Prohibition, Snook Haven easily has the coolest history of any bar on this list. It’s also an ideal spot to drink cold beer in a pristine setting while eating Old Florida favorites like fried gator bites, catfish and smoked chicken.

12306 46th Ave. W., Cortez; 941-794-1243; starfishcompany.com

Star Fish Co.

Star Fish’s spectacular view includes Sarasota Bay bay dotted with mangrove islands, wildlife and commercial fishing boats returning next door to sister business A.P. Bell Fish Co. The wait for the best blackened mullet (the fish that put Cortez on the map), shrimp, grouper, stone crabs and anything else swimming around in the gulf can be as long as 90 minutes-plus during season, but, trust us, it’s always worth the wait. Sit back, relax with that cold beer and enjoy the setting from a bar stool or wood picnic table. FYI: Star Fish is cash only.

Surrounded by the Intracoastal on a strip of sand between Osprey and Casey Key, Casey Key Fish House offers a delightful tiki bar and dining room where popular items include stone crab claws, monkfish platters, mai tais and Budweisers. If it seems like everybody knows everybody else, don’t worry, the regulars also make room for friendly newbies and even tourists.

12507 Cortez Road, Cortez; 941-567-6206; facebook.com/tidetables

Tide Tables

Head west on Cortez Road and make your last left before the bridge and you will find a funky and scenic spot hugging the Intracoastal Waterway. This prime location is Tide Tables, a restaurant and marina with a tiki bar facing Anna Maria Island. Featuring fresh, first-rate seafood including probably the best fish tacos in the region, Tide Tables also carries a great selection of local and national craft beers.

4110 127th St. W., Cortez; 941-794-1235; seafoodshack.com

Seafood Shack

A two-story restaurant, bar, banquet space and marina along the Intracoastal Waterway in Cortez, the Seafood Shack opened in 1971 and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary under new ownership. While still retaining a wonderful charming Old Florida feel, Seafood Shack now features more creative cuisine using locally caught fish and other superb dishes, craft cocktails and Bradenton-brewed beer.

Originally built in 1912 and one of the oldest structures on Longboat Key, the Mar Vista offers postcard-perfect views of Sarasota Bay from the enchanting outdoor covered deck or intimate bar and dining room area. There’s a long list of mixed drinks and some area craft beers while wine enthusiasts will want to order the locally-connected Lola’s chardonnay, pinot noir or riesling. As for eating options, the daily lunch and dinner features that typically spotlight local catches are usually the best bet.

4528 119th St. W, Cortez; 941-798-9404

Cortez Kitchen

An open-air restaurant, bar and live music venue with ample fans and a nice, consistent breeze off Sarasota Bay, this spot in the heart of the famed Cortez Village is where to go for potent mixed drinks, ice cold beer and fresh seafood items like the mahi or Buffalo grouper sandwiches. Cortez Kitchen also regularly hosts the area’s best rock, blues and reggae music acts.

135 Bayview Drive, Osprey; 941-218-6114; eviesonline.com

Evie’s at Spanish Point Restaurant & Tiki Bar

A local landmark established in 1957, Spanish Point was recently renamed and renovated by the team behind the local chain of Evie's restaurants. Nothing discernible has changed about the iconic chickee structure overlooking the pristine waters of Little Sarasota Bay but practically everything else has been improved from the docks to the inside bar, which also offers waterfront views. The new menu includes tasty burgers and Florida seafood with craft cocktails and plenty of beer selections.

1200 First Ave. W., Bradenton; 748-8087; pier22dining.com

Pier 22

For years, Pier 22 has been popular with locals, snow birds and tourists alike, largely because no other place in downtown Bradenton has a location right on the Manatee River with views of the sun sinking into the Gulf of Mexico. And then there's the drink and appetizer disocunts. Pier 22 rocks one of the best happy hours around on that beautiful bar and dining area right on the water.

1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota; 941-388-4311; theoldsaltydog.com

Old Salty Dog

Offering views of Sarasota Bay, New Pass Inlet, frolicking dolphins and people partying on their boats, The Old Salty Dog’s City Island location is conveniently positioned near downtown, St. Armands Circle, Longboat Key and right by Mote Marine. The bar does standard cocktails and frozen drinks better than most with daily special such as the alluring key lime martini. There is also a solid selection of beers and wines. As for dining, The Old Salty specializes in comfort foods such as its fish and chips and signature Salty Dog.